Don Edrington

Recent Articles

We’ve all been admonished to “never click on a link we’re not sure about” because doing so may cause serious problems. But what is a “link” and how can we tell if it’s safe? A link (aka hyperlink) is simply an “address” we use to navigate from one location on a network to another — most commonly...

When I asked for reader feedback about using digital devices other than Windows personal computers, Brian Hammond sent me the following response: Brian wrote that he has a Windows laptop at work and an iMac at home. He said he previously had a MacBook Air, but replaced it with an iPad Pro. Brian...

I’ve been hearing from readers who are having problems moving files from one location to another. Here’s how I do it: I have many folders that I created by right-clicking my desktop and choosing “New Folder.” I name each folder to briefly describe what it contains: “Vacation Photos” or “Letters...

I’ve previously mentioned noticing some online scams, such as “Millionaire Profit Machine.” Now there’s one that purports to teach you how to become an “Amazon Partner” and it’s holding “Free Seminars” at different locations in the San Diego area. Shouldn’t it be illegal to make all these promises...

I’ve heard from several Microsoft Office users who ask, “How do you use PowerPoint?” PowerPoint was designed to create slideshow presentations. A presentation can be a simple series of images and/or text messages — but all kinds of creative effects can be added. A line of text can be made to appear...

A reader asked if there is a way to password-protect personal documents without buying an encryption program. Well, Microsoft Word and Excel have built-in password options. Within a pre-2007 version of Word or Excel, click File>Save As, and then click Tools>General Options, where you’ll find a...

Austin Marx wrote that after his wife’s Hotmail account was switched to Outlook she could no longer find the “Forward” or “Print” buttons. I replied that “Forward” could be found by clicking the “Down-Arrow” next to “Reply.” The “Print” prompt is found by clicking on the “3-dots” button. For many...

Elden Hansen wrote, “We’ve always separated our Folder Icons to ‘His,’ ‘Hers’ and ‘Business’ on the desktop. Suddenly they all got merged onto one side.” I suggested right-clicking any blank spot on the desktop, left-clicking VIEW, and unchecking “Auto Arrange Icons.” Elden also said the ribbon...